Hawaii Continental Circa 1960

The circa 1960 “Hawaii” poster by Continental Airlines is an iconic example of mid-20th-century travel advertising, blending bold graphics with the spirit of tropical escapism. Created during the height of the airline industry's "golden age," this poster captures the optimism and vibrancy of the jet-setting era, enticing travelers to explore the lush, exotic allure of Hawaii.

The poster's design embraces a vivid, psychedelic color palette of greens, pinks, purples, and oranges, reminiscent of the emerging Pop Art movement of the time. It features stylized foliage, an iconic Hawaiian sunset over the ocean, and soft, flowing shapes that evoke the natural beauty of the islands. The typography is playful yet bold, with “Hawaii” written in a bubbly, rounded font that mirrors the organic forms of the surrounding design.

The sunset—radiant with warm hues of yellow, orange, and red—acts as the focal point of the composition, symbolizing relaxation, warmth, and the idyllic tropical climate that Hawaii is known for. The abstracted clouds, leaves, and flowers frame the scene, reinforcing the theme of a lush island paradise.

Beneath the vibrant artwork, the poster features the Continental Airlines logo and the slogan, “The Proud Bird with the Golden Tail.” This tagline, coupled with the clean, modern font used for the airline's name, underscores the company’s commitment to luxury, innovation, and reliable service. The design reflects Continental’s branding strategy of associating air travel with glamour, adventure, and accessibility.

In the 1960s, air travel was transitioning from an exclusive luxury to a more widely accessible mode of transportation. Hawaii, having recently become the 50th state in 1959, emerged as a popular vacation destination for Americans, symbolizing an exotic yet reachable escape. Posters like this one were instrumental in shaping the public's perception of Hawaii as a dream destination, filled with natural beauty and cultural allure.

The graphic style also reflects the burgeoning influence of the psychedelic art movement, which was gaining traction during the late 1960s. While this poster predates the full explosion of the psychedelic era, its vibrant colors and fluid forms foreshadow the aesthetic trends of the coming decade.

Today, this Continental Airlines Hawaii poster is a cherished piece of vintage travel memorabilia, appealing to collectors of airline history, graphic design enthusiasts, and lovers of mid-century modern aesthetics. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke both the glamour of the jet age and the timeless allure of Hawaii as a destination.

Whether displayed in a gallery or a personal collection, the poster serves as a colorful reminder of a transformative era in travel and design, when Hawaii was a burgeoning symbol of leisure, and air travel was the ultimate ticket to adventure.

Original Poster

Airline - Tourism - United States

The proud bird with the golden tail

Printed in USA

Good condition, slight creases, pin holes